Speaking to Ann Curry on NBC's Today this morning, Corporal De Santis said: "It was wonderful, it was a really good experience. He had a big smile on his face and so did I.

"The sweetest moment was definitely right after the ceremony ended and being able to see his face as well as everybody else's... He had a smile on his face and you could see he genuinely cared about what he saw."

She added: "It was a good time. We were on the dance floor and having a good time at the table joking and laughing."

"[It was] so vivid and real. So honest, but so filled with a sense of compassion and adoration for this wonderful country," he wrote.

"I've met so many of my heroes... from Michael Jordan to Michael Jackson. And nothing makes me feel more honor and pride than when I get to meet one of you. Last night changed my life and I will never forget it."